Restaurant Review Archives - Savvy Tokyo

The Best Christmas Dining Offers in Tokyo For The 2025 Holiday Season

The Savvy Team — Sun, 07 Dec 2025 23:00:00 +0000

The holiday season is in full swing, and Tokyo is sparkling everywhere you look. Streets, shops and cafes are adorned with illuminations and Christmas trees, transforming the city into a magical winter wonderland just in time for the holidays. Christmas will be here before you know it, so if you’re spending the season in Tokyo, here are our top recommendations for an unforgettable 2025 Christmas dining experience with family, friends or that special someone.

1. Grand Hyatt Tokyo

Every year, this hotel transforms into an edible Advent calendar! They have a lobby that glows with its annual Christmas decorations, holiday hampers, afternoon tea, a holiday brunch and buffet, along with all eight of its restaurants rolling out limited holiday menus that truly feel festive. After dinner, head over to Maduro or The Oak Door for one of their festive cocktails that are all photogenic and all dangerously drinkable.

Prices: Dinner ¥19,000–¥41,800; Cocktails ¥2,200-¥4,700
Address: 6-10-3 Roppongi, Minato-ku, Tokyo (Google Map Link)

2. ANA InterContinental Tokyo

Go all-out for the holidays with one of many festive dining options in every corner of this hotel. Enjoy Christmas-themed afternoon teas filled with seasonal sweets and savory bites, lavish holiday buffets at Cascade Cafe, and elegant multi-course dinners ranging from traditional kaiseki at Unkai to sky-high teppanyaki at Akasaka. The Steakhouse serves classic Christmas lunches and dinners, while Karin Chinese Restaurant offers a special holiday course for something a little different. MIXX Bar swaps in a trio of decadent fig cocktails—the Noir de Fig, a velvety Fig Old Fashioned and the Imperial Fig Martini.

Prices: Various prices for lunch and dinner; Cocktails ¥3,000–¥3,500
Address: 1-12-33 Akasaka, Minato-ku, Tokyo (Google Map Link)

3. Andaz Tokyo

Enjoy an indulgent lineup of seasonal dining, from The Tavern’s elegant six-course festive dinner served high above the city to its relaxed Apéritif & Sharing Steak Set and a limited-edition afternoon tea celebrating the rich aromas of chocolate, berries and warming spices. At the Sushi, an intimate eight-seat counter, a Christmas-only Edomae gala dinner showcases premium seasonal seafood. At the same time, BeBu brings back its wildly popular Fried Chicken Box to go for cozy holiday gatherings at home. And to finish the season in true Andaz style, the Rooftop Bar pours limited-edition Festive Tea Cocktails inspired by winter spices and Stollen.

Prices: Various prices for each offering; Cocktails ¥1,870 (only ¥990 during Happy Hour)
Address: 1‑23‑4 Toranomon Hills, Minato‑ku (Google Map Link)

4. The Strings by InterContinental Tokyo

This hotel goes full storybook this year with its “Dear You” Christmas Collection. Three restaurants, three cuisines and one theme: heartfelt, unforgettable holiday dining. At Melodia, the Italian course unfolds with lobster and carpaccio, buttery flounder and wagyu wrapped in flaky pastry before a multi-textured chocolate finale. China Shadow elevates the evening with lavish dim sum-style starters, kiln-roasted Peking duck, lobster in kataifi and jade-green fried rice crowned with salmon roe. For the showstoppers, Kazane Teppanyaki fires up Ise lobster and a duet of premium Japanese beef right on the teppan.

Prices: Dinner ¥15,400–¥24,200
Address: Shinagawa East One Tower 26–32F, 2-16-1 Konan, Minato-ku, Tokyo (Google Map Link)

5. Palace Hotel Tokyo

Choose your own adventure from six restaurants serving Christmas dinner—from Ducasse’s Esterre to teppanyaki GO, Grand Kitchen, Wadakura, Amber Palace and the skyline-framed Lounge Bar Privé—all unveiling festive menus built around peak-season seafood, charcoal-grilled Wagyu, Shanghai crab, teppan-seared lobster and holiday desserts. Whether you’re splurging on Esterre’s caviar-bright bisque and truffle-kissed Wagyu, settling into GO’s sizzle of Matsusaka beef or lingering over Grand Kitchen’s Vacherin and perfectly roasted Japanese tenderloin, every course feels crafted for a slow, joy-filled evening. End the night with a strawberry cocktail and city views at Privé!

Prices: ¥19,000–¥55,000; Cocktails ¥2,800–¥3,800
Address: 1-1-1 Marunouchi, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo (Google Map Link)

6. The Peninsula Tokyo

Expect to see pure seasonal magic from Peter’s wagyu and sky-high palace views to Hei Fung Terrace’s traditional Cantonese cuisine. Beyond the polished silver service, the hotel’s festivities unfold everywhere: a heart-melting Toy Hospital in The Lobby where “Toy Doctors” restore beloved childhood treasures, a cozy Christmas Market along Naka Dori for postcards and artisanal treats, and a charity-minded Festive Afternoon Tea scored by live music. And to top it all off, don’t miss the seasonal stars behind the bar: the Setouchi EMT and the Pen Negroni, two festive cocktails made to sip and be jolly.

Prices: Various prices for lunch and dinner; Cocktails ¥3,200
Address: 1-8-1 Yurakucho, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo (Google Map Link)

7. Four Seasons Hotel Tokyo

Christmas dinner at the Four Seasons is a seven-course French dream in a Paris-styled bistro—think truffled Soufflé Suisse, caviar-topped lobster ravioli and a glossy Hokkaido beef Wellington that feels straight out of a holiday movie. Warm lighting and that signature Four Seasons hush make everything feel cinematic. Cap the night at The Bar with their spiced hot chocolate (rum, cinnamon, star anise) or drop by for the festive cocktail lineup—mulled wine, eggnog and a gingerbread martini. On December 25, they’ll have a festive blend of Sakura gin, elderflower, berries and citrus, too.

Prices: Dinner ¥35,000; Cocktails ¥3,000 approx.
Address: 1-2-1 Otemachi, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo (Google Map Link)

8. Janu Tokyo

At Janu Tokyo, the festive season unfolds in warm, amber tones, with elegant dining experiences available throughout the hotel. Hu Jing elevates the holidays with an eight-course Chinese dinner with Peking duck, hairy crab tomalley soup and fresh seafood paired with free-flow Champagne, while Janu Mercato serves a vibrant six-course Italian feast of Omi duck tagliatelle, Japanese beef, scallops, lobster and a snowy cassata finale. At Janu Grill, Christmas brings a multi-course menu infused with golden-hued spirits, featuring dishes such as Matsunaga beef fillet with Madeira and tableside Amaretto-flambéed tarte tatin. To finish the night, Janu Bar pours three limited seasonal pear cocktails.

Prices: Various prices for each offering; Cocktails ¥2,800–¥3,200
Address: 1-2-2 Azabudai, Minato-ku, Tokyo (Google Map Link)

9. Hotel Toranomon Hills

Le Pristine Tokyo at Hotel Toranomon Hills offers a full festive lineup throughout December, with chef-crafted courses to make every moment memorable. Guests can enjoy a festive dinner featuring botan shrimp with avocado and caviar, smoked lobster ravioli, Japanese Akaushi Beef “Rossini” with truffle croquettes and winter vegetables, and a tricolor Amaou strawberry dessert, as well as a festive afternoon tea and the Tokyo-exclusive Dark Chocolate Panettone. The Christmas Dinner six-course menu, available only on December 24 and 25, is the season’s highlight, offering an indulgent feast with the finest ingredients presented with the refined elegance of Sergio Herman’s “New Italian” style.

Prices: Various prices for lunch and dinner; Christmas Dinner ¥25,300
Address: 1-23-1 Toranomon, Minato-ku, Tokyo (Google Map Link)

10. Park Hyatt Tokyo

The Park Hyatt Tokyo, which is undergoing major renovations, is set to reopen on December 9, just in time for the Christmas season. For Japanese elegance, Kozue offers a Christmas kaiseki with snow crab and winter yellowtail, while Girandole by Alain Ducasse presents a signature festive course of beets, black truffle, and wagyu beef with sommelier-selected wines.

Prices: Dinner ¥24,200-¥25,300
Address: 3-7-1 Nishi-Shinjuku, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo (Google Map Link)

Non-Hotel Christmas Offers Around Tokyo

Dining

Kawara (Shinjuku): A special ¥5,000 Christmas course featuring misuji steak, creamy tomato pasta and a cute festive dessert.
Accueil (Ebisu/Daikanyama): Casual, cafe-style Christmas dinner option with seasonal three-course “Xmas dinner” plans from ¥5,500 to ¥7,150.
Sarabeth’s Tokyo (Shinjuku / Shinagawa): Very approachable Western-style set dinners and special Noël set around ¥7,000 for special holiday course offerings.
Ivy Place (Daikanyama): A festive four-course Christmas dinner featuring house-smoked duck, yuba-wrapped snapper and shrimp, F1 roast beef and a praline–white chocolate mousse for ¥9,800.
Two Rooms Grill & Bar (Aoyama): Mark the season with special Christmas lunch and dinner courses, crafted with seasonal ingredients, available for ¥7,500 and ¥19,500, respectively.
Tokyo Node Dining (Toranomon): Early Christmas Course ¥15,800; Christmas Dinner Course ¥18,500 for seasonal French-Japanese tasting menus in a modern setting.
BLT Steak (Ginza): A full course ¥19,800 featuring caviar, grilled lobster and a showstopping 700g dry-aged T-bone. The same course with all you can drink with wine, beer and highball is ¥24,800.
Fish Bank Tokyo (Shiodome): Seafood-forward Christmas course; menus vary but expect roughly ¥22,000–¥36,000 depending on the course/wine pairings.

Cocktails

BAR S (Ginza): Winter Cocktail Fair featuring festive drinks like “Rossini,” “Strawberry Gimlet,” and “Sweet Teddy.”
Tokyo Confidential (Azabujuban): Enjoy four festive signature drinks, Gingerbread Old Fashioned, Kentucky Coffee, Cookies and Cream and Mulled Wine, cozy up with house-party vibes and Tokyo Tower views.
Tokyo Disneysea (Urayasu): Sip your way in between rides and parades with limited-time festive drinks like a cozy hot cacao–coffee cocktail, a strawberry beer and a sparkling fruit wine.

Happy feasting, happy frosting and happy sipping! Christmas in Tokyo 2025 is officially served.

The Viral 3D Fruit-Shaped Ice Creams Are Finally Coming to Japan

Kerri King — Wed, 26 Nov 2025 23:00:00 +0000

The hyper-realistic 3D fruit ice creams you’ve seen all over TikTok and Instagram are finally coming to Japan. Already a hit across China, Southeast Asia and the US, these ultra-real fruit-shaped treats have earned global fan status for their eye-catching design, sorbet-style centres and wildly popular “cut-open reveal” videos. With Japan’s launch set for early December, they’re on track to become one of the most talked-about dessert releases of the year.

The Global Craze Behind Hyper-Real Fruit Ice Creams

These 3D fruit-shaped ice creams were already a full-blown global trend long before Japan announced its release, thanks to a few viral versions that blew up overseas.

1. Propitious Mango (China): The Original Viral Ice Cream

This is the one that started it all. Propitious Mango’s hyper-realistic mango-shaped ice cream spread across Southeast Asia and the US, usually selling for $5–$7 each.

2. 3D Fruit Ice Series

As the trend picked up, other manufacturers began releasing nearly identical versions in peach, strawberry, lemon and grape. These took off across Malaysia, Singapore, Taiwan and Hong Kong, often sold in multipacks for $10–$12. These colourful lineups became Instagram Reels favourites thanks to their aesthetic “flavour collection” appeal.

3. Fruitae/Frukti Deluxe (New Zealand & Australia)

NZ and Australia then introduced their own branded sets using similar moulds but different recipes. Flavours included mango, peach, coconut and strawberry, priced around $5 each or $13 per pack. They weren’t as internationally famous, but they kept the trend alive across Oceania.

Where To Get Them in Japan

On December 1st, 2025, Japan is officially joining the global trend, with the brand 3Dフルーツアイス (3D Fruit Ice Cream), imported by Gold Star, who are known for bringing several Korean viral ice creams into Japan. The launch is surprisingly big, covering major convenience stores and supermarkets nationwide.

Here’s the confirmed release schedule:

From December 1

Don Quijote (nationwide)
AEON – Frozen section (nationwide)

From December 2

7-Eleven (nationwide)
FamilyMart (Kanto, Kansai, Chukyo)
Natural Lawson (Tokyo Metropolitan Area)

After December 8

Summit (Tokyo Metropolitan Area)
Mommy Mart (Saitama)
Seiyu (nationwide, excluding Hokkaido)

Pricing & Flavors

Although the official price remains unconfirmed, early shelf photos indicate a range of ¥500 to ¥550 per piece. Japan’s lineup will feature all five of the internationally popular flavours: mango, peach, grape, strawberry and lemon.

Finally, an international trend is landing in Japan before it’s over. And even as the temperature drops, these fruit-shaped ice creams feel like the kind of treat you can enjoy all year long. With their hyper-real look and refreshing centre, they’re set to become this winter’s “have you tried it yet?” moment.

B-Kyu Gurume: The Best Of Cheap Japanese Comfort Food

Hilary Keyes — Mon, 24 Nov 2025 23:00:00 +0000

Food is a major part of Japanese culture. Even on dating apps, you’re more likely to find profiles seeking a drinking buddy or a スイーツ巡り(sweets meguri; “sweets tour”) partner than anything else. If food is the way to the Japanese heart, then B-kyu gurume is the comfort food that everyone should know and love.

What Is B-Kyu Gurume?

B級グルメ (B-kyu gurume) literally means “B rank food”. It refers to cuisines that are popular with the masses, made with less ‘fancy’ ingredients. They are often quickly and easily served and eaten. Most B-kyu gurume can easily be replicated at home, so it’s also got the added home cooking, “made with love” factor to it as well.

These Japanese comfort foods are also known as ご当地グルメ (gotochi gurume)—or “local dishes”—because they feature local ingredients. What counts as B-kyu gurume in Osaka is completely different from what is comfort food in Sapporo. Even within a given city, there can be vastly different ideas of soul food depending on the area’s history.

If you’re looking for healthy Japanese fare, B-kyu gurume is probably not going to work for you. However, if you’re looking for something different for a treat, then it’s sure to hit the spot. Just be aware of any potential food allergies, as hidden ingredients can sometimes be unexpected.

Basically, B-kyu gurume is the gourmand’s equivalent of your family’s secret recipe handed down for generations. It’s often made with full-fat and sugar, but available for a cheap price and made to order.

Japanese vs Internationally Influenced

As with food cultures around the world, there are both those that are domestic and those that grew from international influences. B-kyu gurume offers a mix of classically Japanese dishes and “Japanified” foreign varieties.

The Japanese-Style Classics

One of the oldest and most well-known Japanese B-kyu gurume is おにぎり (onigiri; “rice balls”). These glutinous delights tend to be topped or filled with anything from flaked salmon, wasabi greens, soft-boiled eggs or pickled plums. They may be wrapped with a sheet of roasted nori seaweed as well. There are shelves of these in every supermarket, convenience store and even take-out bento shops in Japan—that’s how common they are.

Another rice-based comfort food is 卵かけごはん (tamago kake gohan). Basically, you crack a raw egg over some plain white rice and add a dash or two of soy sauce for flavor. That’s it. Of course, you can liven it up with some furikake seasoning, too, or purchase gourmet eggs specially bred for their tastiness (or whatever the technical term may be!), but even the most basic of ingredients will give you classic Japanese comfort food.

International Twists

Two international dishes, according to my friends, are considered must-have foodstuffs: curry rice and spaghetti Napolitano.

Curry rice is typically made with Japanese curry roux (prepared with beef or pork, potatoes, carrots and onions), accompanied by rice (white, turmeric-seasoned, or with garlic and butter). It can also be topped with a slab of とんかつ (tonkatsu; “pork cutlet”) or 牛カツ (gyukatsu; “beef cutlet”). It’s not spicy at all, very hearty and something that most Japanese people eat at least once a week.

Spaghetti Napolitan was invented in Yokohama by Chef Shigetada Irie of Hotel New Grand during the postwar period. It consists of well-cooked pasta (no al dente here), with a sauce made from onions, green peppers, bacon or ham and… ketchup. Yes, the sauce is made almost entirely from Japanese ketchup (some add tomato paste to thicken it). You can also add a dash of Tabasco sauce to liven it up, but otherwise, it’s a very kid-friendly comfort food.

Where Can I Find B-Kyu Gurume?

Another one of the perks of B-kyu gurume is that it is everywhere. Technically speaking, you can find it in your closest convenience store or supermarket. If you’re looking to try something different, then take a look at Uber Eats or your preferred food delivery app for B-kyu gurume in your area.

You can also look at B-Lunch, a popular blog run by a Japanese foodie that focuses on B-kyu gurume lunch spots around the country.

The B-1 Grand Prix is a food festival and contest held across Japan where local cuisines compete to be that year’s top comfort food. Some winners of that competition later go on to have their products turned into limited-edition foods sold in convenience stores and supermarkets as well.

Mini versions of these festivals or celebrations of their wins are also often held in parking areas. Heading out on a road trip might just reveal the best comfort foods your region or destination has to offer.

Must-Try Japanese Comfort Food

Here’s a list of classic Japanese comfort food that you have to try at least once in your life (some we’ve already mentioned):

Tonkatsu: Deep-fried pork cutlet eaten with shredded cabbage.
Katsu Curry: Curry rice topped with a crunchy tonkatsu cutlet.
Naporitan: The retro Japanese spaghetti with ketchup-based sauce, sausage, onions and peppers.
Yakisoba: Wok-fried noodles with pork, cabbage and sweet-savory sauce.
Karaage: Japanese fried chicken with a garlic, ginger and soy marinade.
Korokke: Potato-and-meat croquettes with panko crust, eaten with tonkatsu sauce.
Hambāgu (Hamburg Steak): Soft ground beef patty with demi-glace or wafu (Japanese-style) sauce.
Tachigui Soba/Udon: Cheap, fast “stand-and-eat” noodles, usually found in stations.
Omurice: Ketchup fried rice wrapped in a fluffy omelette, topped with demi-glace or ketchup.
Horumon-yaki: Grilled offal (intestines) barbecue.
Kaki-furai: Deep-fried oysters.

As mentioned earlier, regions throughout Japan have their own unique versions of comfort foods too. While many of them are available nationwide these days, you are guaranteed to have the best and most authentic version of it in each of their originating regions:

Okonomiyaki (Osaka/Hiroshima): Savory cabbage pancake loaded with pork, seafood, noodles (Hiroshima-style) and sweet-salty sauce.
Takoyaki (Osaka): Crispy–soft octopus balls drizzled with mayo, sauce and bonito flakes.
Ika-yaki (Osaka): Grilled whole squid glazed in soy sauce.
Monjayaki (Tokyo): A runnier cousin of okonomiyaki, cooked on a griddle and eaten right off the spatula.
Gyoza (Utsunomiya): Pan-fried crispy dumplings with a juicy meat filling.
Motsunabe (Fukuoka): Offal nabe (hot pot) with cabbage, chives and soy-miso broth.
Buta-don (Hokkaido): Char-grilled pork slices over rice, sweet-savory and smoky.
Zangi (Hokkaido): Hokkaido-style karaage with a punchier seasoning.

Special Mentions

You can also find officially produced instant versions too.

If you’ve already tried the dishes mentioned above, I highly recommend two others I personally like. Full disclosure, though, these are definitely high-calorie, high-carb meals in the making.

Fujinomiya Yakisoba

Fujinomiya yakisoba (富士宮やきそば) originates from Fujinomiya in Shizuoka Prefecture and is regarded by many as a local success story. Three-time winner of the B-1 Grand Prix, Fujinomiya yakisoba is responsible for the tourism renaissance that its hometown underwent. Now, there’s even a Fujinomiya Yakisoba Society that promotes authentic versions of this dish around Japan.

While yakisoba itself is a B-kyu gurume, what sets Fujinomiya yakisoba apart is that the yakisoba noodles, cabbage and meat are then topped with sardine powder (as opposed to straight-up bonito flakes), sauce and pickled ginger. The noodles are also made with less water, resulting in a firmer texture than other types.

Sanuki Udon Burger

The second dish is one that carb-lovers will really enjoy. The Sanuki udon burger (讃岐うどんバーガー) originates from Kagawa Prefecture, the smallest prefecture in Japan. Kagawa is also aptly nicknamed the ‘udon prefecture’ as it’s home to Sanuki udon. Several hundred udon shops, each with their own take on this classic dish.

Udon noodles are thick and very filling on their own, but when fried and piled high on a burger (with or without a patty or two), they become a delicious yet unhealthy regional delight. There are many varieties of Sanuki udon burgers available. Personally, I find the best one to be without a patty and topped with a fried egg. Then you can really enjoy the taste of the noodles and sauce.

If you’re looking for ways to help your local businesses and change up your at-home dining menu, why not check out the regional cuisines in your area? And, if you’re suddenly craving comfort foods from back home, here are the best pizza, burger and Chinese food places you can find in Tokyo instead.

Is there a particular Japanese comfort food that you’ve fallen in love with in Japan?

Nabe: Famous Hot Pot Flavors To Try in Japan

Suzanne Bhagan — Mon, 17 Nov 2025 23:00:00 +0000

My introduction to nabe (hot pot) in Japan came in the middle of summer, not winter. When I touched down in Tokyo, it was the first thing I ate. Everything went into the boiling pot: chopped mushrooms, leeks, meat and vegetables I was not yet familiar with. During the meal, everyone dived in and scooped up what they wanted. After more than 24 hours in the air, this Japanese hot pot really hit the spot. And it was the perfect way to celebrate my birthday and meet Caribbean folk in the city.

Enjoying hot pot with new friends in Japan this way instantly reminded me of soup limes (get-togethers) in Trinidad and Tobago. Back in the Caribbean, we “bubble a pot” on a portable gas stove on the ground rather than on the table. However, the camaraderie surrounding a pot of hot broth in Japan and Trinidad and Tobago remains the same.

What Is Nabe?

In winter, nabe or nabemono is one of the most popular Japanese ways to combat the cold. It’s filling, warming and nutritious—talk about hitting all the targets! At home, nabe is usually cooked in a heavy earthenware pot called donabe. The soup simmers throughout the meal atop a portable gas stove that can be used on the dining table. It uses a butane canister and is also handy for cooking outdoors and during power outages/natural disasters.

Nabe has all the ingredients for a great time: seasonal winter vegetables, delicious kombu (kelp)-based broth, mouthwatering meat or seafood, silky or chewy tofu—you name it!

Always Save Room For The Finally

When everyone finishes the meat, seafood and vegetables, never toss the broth at the bottom of the pot. That leftover soup is actually one of the best parts of nabe. Instead, add fresh udon noodles, ramen noodles or cooked rice to soak up every last drop.

This final step is called the shime, a traditional method for concluding any nabe meal. It also reflects mottainai, the Japanese philosophy of “waste not, want not,” by making full use of the rich, flavorful broth you worked so hard to create together.

Nabe Classics

Want to try nabe for the first time but don’t know where to start? Here are some of the most familiar hot pots you’ll find in households across Japan. They have warmed winter tables for generations and are an excellent choice for your first experience.

Yosenabe

This is your basic or homestyle nabe, and it has been a cold-weather favorite since the late Edo to early Meiji periods, when families gathered around a shared hearth. Add whatever you like or whatever’s in the fridge that day.

In winter, it’s common to add hearty vegetables like mushrooms, gobo (burdock root), daikon (Japanese radish), hakusai (Chinese cabbage), negi (leek) and carrots. You can also add your favorite meat (chicken, beef, pork or even game meat) or seafood like fish or shellfish. If you’re vegan, you can enjoy yosenabe with silky or fried tofu. The dashi is usually simple, using kombu or katsuobushi (bonito flakes).

Chankonabe

This hearty stew is traditionally served to bulk up sumo wrestlers and became a staple in sumo stables during the early 20th century. In it, you’ll find massive chunks of animal protein (usually chicken and meatballs) and good portions of vegetables. It’s all served up in a basic dashi (kombu or katsuobushi) or chicken stock.

Today, you’ll find chankonabe restaurants all around Japan, but especially near Ryogoku in Tokyo, the heart of the sumo world.

Sukiyaki

Sukiyaki gained nationwide popularity during the Meiji era when Japan began embracing meat after centuries of avoiding it. For sukiyaki, thin slices of beef or pork and vegetables are simmered in a salty and sweet soy sauce-based broth. The cooked meat and vegetables are then dipped into raw egg before being served.

Shabu Shabu

Shabu shabu first appeared in the 1950s in Osaka as a lighter, quicker alternative to sukiyaki. Instead of simmering meat directly in the pot, each diner picks up a raw slice kept next to the pot and gives it a quick dip and swish in the kombu-based broth to cook it. The cooked meat is then dipped in ponzu or goma (sesame) sauce before eating.

The name shabu shabu comes from the soft “swish swish” sound made as the meat moves in and out of the hot broth.

Oden

Oden has roots dating back to the Muromachi era, but gained widespread popularity in the Edo period as a street food. When the cold months approach, convenience stores bring out the heated trays. In each, you may find well-shaped proportions of konjac, various varieties of fish cakes and hard-boiled eggs slowly cooking in hot stock.

Shizuoka prefecture is famous for its darker, soy-rich version of this hot pot.

Regional Nabe

Japan’s regions each bring their own local ingredients, traditions and climate to the nabe table.

Hokkaido: Ishikarinabe

Popular up north, ishikarinabe centers around locally sourced ingredients: fresh salmon or trout, sometimes salmon roe, butter and a creamy miso-flavored stock. The dish originated among fishermen along the Ishikari River during the Meiji era and remains a winter staple in Hokkaido.

Fukuoka: Motsunabe

In Fukuoka, motsunabe is a collagen-rich soup made with chili peppers, vegetables and offal (intestines). It rose in popularity after World War II, when ingredients were limited and offal was inexpensive. For those in the know, collagen is a way to achieve that youthful, glowing skin.

Akita: Kiritamponabe

Kiritamponabe hails from Akita and features chicken and grilled rice dumplings that soak up all the goodness of the chicken broth. The dish dates back to the late Edo period, when hunters would shape freshly cooked rice around cedar skewers and toast them over the fire.

Hiroshima: Dotenabe

If you’re after the sweetest kaki (oysters) in Japan, hands down, Hiroshima comes out on top. What better ingredient to add to the local version of nabe? Dotenabe became popular in the early 20th century. What makes it extra flavorful is the miso paste smeared around the inside of the donabe, which gradually melts into the broth.

Kyoto: Yudofunabe

For tofu purists, try Kyoto’s yudofunabe. The humble yet insanely nutritious tofu is boiled in a kombu broth and then dipped in ponzu sauce. This simple hot pot traces its roots to Zen Buddhist temple cuisine and remains the perfect nabe for those who are also strictly vegan.

Modern Nabe

Global inspiration and Japan’s love for playful food innovation have given rise to a new wave of hot pot flavors.

Tomato Nabe

Tomato nabe is a Japanese-Italian fusion dish that became popular in the 2000s. It includes chicken, vegetables and cheese in a tomato-based stock. The shime at the end of the meal often means adding pasta or cooked rice to the leftover broth.

Tōnyūnabe (Soy Milk Nabe)

For soy milk fans, there’s a nabe made just for you. Tōnyūnabe revolves around a soy milk and miso-based broth with plenty of pork slices and chunks of tofu. It surged in popularity in the 1990s when soy-based dishes became a trend in Japan.

Kimchi Nabe

For a Japanese-Korean take on nabe, try kimchi nabe. It became a household favorite as kimchi became more accessible in Japan in the late 20th century. Who can resist the combination of meat or seafood and veg simmering in a mellow miso and spicy kimchi-flavored broth?

Cheese Nabe

Another popular modern version is cheese nabe. Melty cheese, of course, is best (think cream cheese or other soft cheeses). This fondue-like concoction, which grew trendy in the 2010s, is guaranteed to satisfy almost any nabe skeptic.

Lemon Nabe

Lemon nabe is a modern-style regional nabe from Hiroshima, Japan’s largest lemon producer, created to promote their renowned setouchi lemons. It gained popularity in Tokyo around 2012 and is now a popular nabe flavor among women seeking a zesty, uplifting dish full of vitamin C. It’s made with clear chicken broth infused with fresh lemon juice, and by adding slices of lemon directly over the top, it also makes for a very photogenic nabe.

For a more Southeast Asian-inspired twist, try adding fresh coriander and a splash of fish sauce to the broth—these ingredients give the nabe a fragrant, slightly savory edge that pairs perfectly with the citrus notes. Use rice noodles as the shime and you’ve got yourself some nabe-style pho.

How To Make The Perfect Nabe

The best part about nabe is that there are really no strict rules to it, as it can really be made with any ingredients added to any broth. You can mix and match to your heart’s content. That being said, here are some basic tips to ensure a successful nabe experience.

Cook the broth first and bring it to a rolling boil.
Cook the tough stuff in the broth first. Think raw chunks of meat and hardy veggies.
Last go in thin slices of meat, seafood and softer vegetables like mizuna (mustard greens) and hakusai leaves.
Don’t crowd the pot! The joy of nabe is that it’s meant to be cooked in small batches, allowing everyone to eat a little at a time over a long period. You can keep a separate bowl with extra ingredients nearby the hot pot, allowing you to add to it as needed.
If you like, have one person in charge of the nabe pot, adding ingredients, manning the fire and dishing out portions.
Enjoy nabe with a cold beer, sake or whatever you like!

Where To Try Nabe in Tokyo

In Japan, nabe can be enjoyed almost anywhere during winter: convenience stores, izakaya (Japanese pubs), ryokan and restaurants. Here are just a few places to try nabe in Tokyo.

Shabu Shabu Onyasai

Shabu Shabu Onyasai is one of the most famous chain restaurants specializing in shabu-shabu, with locations not just in Tokyo but all over Japan. The menu features fresh vegetables, thinly sliced meats and a variety of flavorful broths, ranging from classic kombu to spicy and modern styles. Guests can choose between all-you-can-eat courses or set menus, making it an easy, customizable option for groups and families.

Price Range: ¥1,628–¥7,128 per person
Where: Available all over Japan

Mo-Mo Paradise

Mo-Mo Paradise is another extremely popular Japanese chain restaurant that serves both shabu-shabu and sukiyaki. Formerly known as Nabezo, the brand is recognized for its use of high-quality meats, flavorful broths and fresh vegetables.

Price Range: ¥2,200-¥8,800 per person
Where: Shinjuku, Shibuya, Ikebukuro, Akihabara and Asakusa

Hakata Motsunabe Yamaya

Located in Marunouchi, Hakata Motsunabe Yamaya specializes in the Fukuoka motsunabe. The restaurant is renowned for its depth of flavor and for serving authentic Kyushu-style dishes that pair perfectly with the hot pot, such as mentaiko and lightly pickled vegetables.

Price Range: ¥2,200–¥6,500 per person
Where: Available in most main cities across Japan

Chanko Kirishima

Chanko Kirishima serves authentic chankonabe in the heart of Tokyo, just steps from Ryogoku Kokugikan, the city’s sumo stadium. The restaurant itself has a nostalgic, old-Tokyo ambiance and is a great way to immerse yourself in sumo culture through food.

Price Range: ¥1,650-¥3,520 per person
Where: 2-13-7 Ryogoku, Sumida City, Tokyo (Google Map Link)

Komagata Dozeu

A true Tokyo classic, Komagata Dozeu is one of the city’s most historic nabe restaurants, serving its signature loach hot pot since the early 1800s. Step inside and you’re greeted with an Edo-period atmosphere—tatami floors, low tables and staff in traditional attire. The specialty here is dozeu nabe, a shallow iron pan filled with small loach simmering in a mildly sweet broth and topped with generous layers of negi.

Price Range: ¥3,400–¥4,900 per person
Where: 1-7-12 Komagata, Taito City, Tokyo (Google Map Link)

Bookmark for later, when the hunger pangs strike. How do you nabe?

Thanksgiving in Tokyo: 10 Spots To Gobble Down The Holiday

The Savvy Team — Sun, 09 Nov 2025 23:00:00 +0000

It’s only a month until Thanksgiving (if you’re celebrating the American way). While the holiday isn’t as popular in Japan as Halloween or Christmas, over the past few years, we’ve witnessed several eateries setting up special plans for guests who wish to celebrate the event. If you’re not roasting a turkey yourself this year, here’s a list of places in Tokyo that offer authentic Thanksgiving classics, almost on par with what you’d have back home.

1. Ruby Jack’s Steakhouse

This image is from a previous year; the 2025 menu may vary.

Ruby Jack’s Steakhouse is serving up a feast that’s both traditional and a bit different, all in a cozy, modern setting. Located just a quick walk from Roppongi Itchome Station, it’s the perfect spot to enjoy a delicious meal with loved ones this Thanksgiving. Start off with Yuke Wagyu Steak Tartare, Shrimp Cobb Salad, and Beni Haruka Sweet Potato Soup. Then, dive into the brined, slow-roasted jumbo turkey, served with pork and King Solomon date sausage stuffing, beef tallow-whipped mashed potatoes and bacon-tossed Brussels sprouts with cauliflower mornay. Don’t forget to leave space for dessert—a pumpkin flan pie with vanilla ice cream and maple, served alongside coffee, tea or herbal infusions.

Price: ¥11,000 per person
Date: Thu, Nov. 27-Sun, Nov. 30, 2025
Location: ARK Hills South Tower 2F, 1−4−5 Roppongi, Minato City, Tokyo (Google Map Link)

2. Ivy Place

This image is from a previous year; the 2025 menu may vary.

Spend your intimate Thanksgiving celebration at one of the chicest restaurants in Daikanyama. The Ivy Place Thanksgiving menu begins with a bowl of creamed sweet potato soup, followed by homemade gravlax with yogurt sauce and seasonal vegetable farro salad. For the main course, there’s roasted turkey leg with gravy, and for dessert, pumpkin pie with whipped cream and almond tuile. After your meal, take a stroll through Daikanyama T-Site, a stylish bookstore complex with a vintage book section.

Price: ¥7,500 per person
Date: Thu, Nov. 27, 2025
Location: 16-15 Sarugakucho, Shibuya City, Tokyo (Google Map Link)

3. BLT Steak Roppongi

This image is from a previous year; the 2025 menu may vary.

One of our favorite steakhouses in Tokyo will once again turn its grill into a turkey roastery for the holiday, offering a special two-day exclusive lunch and dinner course. The lunch course features a warm popover, Waldorf salad, grilled turkey breast with gravy, cranberry relish and mashed potatoes, finished with a cinnamon-flavored cherry pie and coffee. The dinner course includes everything from the lunch set, plus a rich, creamy pumpkin soup made with Hokkaido chestnut pumpkin for a perfect autumn touch.

Price: Lunch: ¥7,500 per person; Dinner: ¥10,000 per person
Date: Thu, Nov. 27-Fri, Nov. 28, 2025
Location: 5F Izumi Garden, 1-6-1 Roppongi, Minato-ku, Tokyo (Google Map Link)

4. T.Y.Harbor

This image is from a previous year; the 2025 menu may vary.

With its stunning view of Tokyo Bay and chic ambiance, this restaurant‘s Thanksgiving menu gets a few extra brownie points among foreign residents. The full-course menu features a creamy roasted cauliflower soup, roasted turkey with mushroom gravy as a main course, and a classic pumpkin tart topped with whipped cream and vanilla ice cream for dessert. Enjoy the exquisite food as the city lights reflect in the harbor.

Price: ¥7,000 per person
Date: Thu, Nov. 27, 2025
Location: 2-1-3 Higashi-Shinagawa, Tokyo

5. The Oak Door

Have an elegant Thanksgiving dinner at The Oak Door by Grand Hyatt Tokyo. This year’s menu begins with spiced nuts, marinated olives and charcuterie, followed by an autumn salad of kale, treviso, pecans, green apple and feta with carrot-ginger dressing. The main course features roast turkey with mashed potatoes, pork sausage and apple–chestnut stuffing, roasted Anno sweet potatoes, gravy and cranberry jam, served alongside smoked tomato green beans, creamed spinach and brussels sprouts with walnuts and orange. For dessert, enjoy The Oak Door’s signature pumpkin pie with vanilla ice cream and coffee or tea.

Price: ¥11,000 per person (¥17,600 per person for dinner with a wine pairing)
Date: Thu, Nov. 27-Sat, Nov. 29, 2025
Location: 6-10-3 Roppongi, Minato City, Tokyo (Google Map Link)

6. Smokehouse

If you’re looking for a more casual Thanksgiving dinner, Smokehouse is the place to go. This year’s menu includes smoky clam chowder, a barbecue turkey plate served with cornbread, whipped yams and cranberry relish, and a side of pumpkin mac and cheese with bacon and spiced pumpkin seeds. For dessert, enjoy a pumpkin pecan pie with vanilla ice cream—the perfect sweet finish to this laid-back holiday feast.

Price: ¥7,000 per person
Date: Thu, Nov. 27, 2025
Location: 5−17−13, Jingumae, Shibuya City, Tokyo (Google Map Link)

7. Mark’s Tokyo

Mark’s Tokyo will once again host its annual Thanksgiving Dinner Course over three days. This year’s feast includes spinach and artichoke dip with house-made focaccia, warm Japanese kabocha pumpkin soup and oven-roasted turkey from Ishikawa Prefecture served with all the traditional sides like cornbread stuffing, roasted vegetables and cranberry sauce, plus a selection of seasonal desserts. There will be one seating each evening at 7 p.m so don’t forget to reserve in advance. Any extra seats announced via their social media.

Price: ¥13,200 per person
Date: Wed, Nov. 26-Fri, Nov. 28, 2025
Location: 1-23-14 Meguro, Meguro-Ku, Tokyo (Google Map Link)

8. Soulfood House

If you’re after a real family-style Thanksgiving dinner, Soulfood House is the place to be. People who’ve been there will all unanimously agree that the family warmth, amazingly delicious food and the never-ending fun at this place make it a Thanksgiving kind of day, every day. This year, the dinner menu includes a pumpkin soup and kale salad, honey-smoked turkey with cornbread stuffing, gravy and cranberry sauce, a choice of spare rib or beef rib (a tough one!), garlic mashed potatoes, green bean casserole, cream corn casserole and macaroni and cheese. Finish it all off with some pumpkin spice icecream for dessert.

Price: Adults: ¥9,900 per person; Children (10 and under): ¥4,950 per person
Date: Wed, Nov. 26-Fri, Nov. 28, 2025
Location: 2−8−10, Azabujuban, Minato City, Tokyo (Google Map Link)

9. Two Dogs Taproom

If you prefer a buffet over a course meal, the Two Dogs Taproom’s Thanksgiving dinner, which is all-you-can-eat and includes drinks, is definitely worth considering. Expect an extensive Thanksgiving food menu with roast turkey, homemade stuffing, mashed potatoes, three kinds of salad, a cheese platter and a generous dessert menu with pumpkin pie, chocolate brownies and fresh whipped cream. This Thanksgiving menu also includes craft beer, among other drinks, for all you can drink, too! You’ll need to send a reservation inquiry via email.

Price: Adult: ¥8,200 per person; Child 6-12: ¥3,600 per person; Child under 6: Free!
Date: Thu, Nov. 27, 2025
Location: 3−15−24, Roppongi, Minato City, Tokyo (Google Map Link)

10. Luca Deli

For homebodies, Luca Deli has got you covered with pick up and delivery options. Their special holiday turkey menu offers various sides, turkey sizes, and desserts to choose from. Roasted turkeys come in sizes from small (serves 2–3) to mega (serves 30+). Sides are available à la carte or in a Special Holiday Set which includes chestnut and mushroom stuffing, rosemary-flavored mashed potatoes, gravy, cranberry sauce, green veggies with bacon and maple syrup, organic homemade cornbread, and an organic classic pumpkin pie with Chantilly brandy sauce.

You can also add on their Natural Honey-Glazed Ham (from ¥29,500 per whole ham)—slow-cooked, lightly smoked and perfect for pairing with your favorite red wine.

Price: Meats: ¥9,900〜¥62,900 per chicken/turkey/ham; Special Holiday Set (various sides): ¥4,900 per person; Extra Sides: ¥600〜¥1,000 each
Date: Delivery until Fri, Dec. 26, 2025. (Order at least five days before the required delivery date.)
Location: For pick up: 1-5-1 Shirogane, Minato-ku, Tokyo (Google Map Link)

Are you looking to buy and cook your own Turkey? If so, see this article on where to buy a turkey in Japan!

We hope you have a happy Thanksgiving in Tokyo!

What’s A Bal? Friendly Fusion Izakaya Explained

Sydney Seekford — Mon, 03 Nov 2025 23:00:00 +0000

A couple of weeks ago, I accompanied a fellow writer to conduct a menu test at a recently opened eatery. She looked at the menu and knit her eyebrows together. “What am I supposed to call this? A bistro? It’s not—it’s too Japanese… There are burgers, but also, ajillo. And matcha lattes of all things?” Welcome, my friend, to a bal izakaya!

What Is A “Bal”?

Perfect for the weekend—or after work.

Bal is a recent term popularized by the owners of certain izakaya-cum-bistros. Not “bar”, nor the Spanish “baru”, but bal. This romaji-fied katakana word perfectly illustrates how these only-in-Japan “bars” differ from Western iterations.

J-Net 21, a service that guides would-be business owners, defines a “dining bar” as an eatery offering a wide range of alcoholic beverage options in addition to food. The subtypes outlined are “Western European izakaya”, “wine bar” and “shot bar”. Not that many readers would equate “shot bar” with a place for eating charcuterie, though!

Turnip and bacon aglio-olio

If you search “dining bar” and “Tokyo,” you might be surprised at the scarcity of usable listings. In fact, much like the contents of the preview menu, results from my own search lacked rhyme or reason. If you try in katakana, however, a clear pattern emerges: trendy eateries with an East-meets-West menu and an emphasis on drinks and atmosphere.

Another Japanese-only source, the celebration and gifting website Mechoo, explains the differences between French bistro and Spanish “baru,” noting that in Japan, bal (baru) has come to mean “Spanish-inspired Western Izakaya,” even though bal typically leans towards Italian or French influences.

The writers at Mechoo seem right on point, as their coverage came out in 2021 and was most recently updated in July 2023, with the uptick in bal openings.

As it stands, it seems that the bal hasn’t quite entered the expat space yet….time to change that!

Getting Girls To The Bar

For those who wince at the thought of pit stains on otherwise immaculately crisp white shirts, a risk of sloshed cheap beer and free-flowing cigarette smoke in izakaya, a bal isn’t that. Nor is it a place to risk typical bar-like bothering.

Instead, most bals smack of posh, plushness and premium. Bals provide if-you-know-you-know intimacy that makes them perfect for dates or drinks with friends. The atmosphere is inviting but upscale enough to make guests feel like they’re having an evening out.

Raisin bread and sardine ajillo might sound strange, but it’s a classic bal-style invention.

Mature flavors and fashionable interiors make bals especially inviting to the working women of Tokyo. They come to rub the salonpas of camaraderie into stiff shoulders and relax into voluptuous, enveloping flavors.

If izakaya promise salarymen a second wind after a long day, bals allow trendy guests to dip their toes into gourmet with all the familiar comfort of a warm bath.

The Bal Menu

Potato salad dressed up with ikura (cod roe).

Expect bagna cauda, carpaccio with Japanese flair and plenty of cheeses. One tell-tale sign of a bal is the fruit-burrata plate, sometimes accompanied by prosciutto. All bal seem to have potato salad, but each eatery employs some special flair or signature prep method.

Bals make a point of serving bread or cracker-paired appetizers too, unlike izakaya, and typically have Western-style pickles instead of oshinko or zuke (Japanese pickles).

“Bagna Cauda” a Spanish-inspired vegetable fondue-esque appetizer.

For mains and meats, smoked or rare is a given. Duck breast and rare steaks or roast are often served pre-sliced and dressed for sharing. Diners can expect some, if not multiple, forms of confit, terrine or paté on the menu.

There is going to be pasta—spaghetti of some sort with shimmery oil sauce, ragu or a “signature” carbonara; something rich.

The ever-present powder of parm and pepper pasta (say that three times fast!)

Round pasta like gnocchi, orecchiette and ravioli are all viable contenders, consistent with the “roundness” that classifies a bal’s signature menu. Pizza, focaccia, risotto and the like will satisfy the rest of the table.

Bals make generous use of dustings of grated parmesan, thinly sliced mushrooms and truffles, creamy, fluffy egg dishes, generous pours of olive oil and bursts of grated black pepper. The plating leans gourmet, but the flavors are all comfort.

Recommended Bal Izakaya Spots in Tokyo

Here are some of my favorite spots for you to try!

Fours (Meguro)

Fours, self-described as “genreless cuisine to enjoy with people you love” is one of the most representative bal locations and a genre pioneer. It’s got the full bal experience:

A warmly inviting atmosphere, dressy potatoes, creative gorgonzola cheesecake for dessert and a signature salad featuring liver confit. It achieves the perfect bal-esque East-West balance with takikomi gohan (one-pot rice dish) and grown-up wasabeef (Japanese-style roast beef).

Address: 1-4-11, Meguro, Meguro City, Tokyo
Closest Station: Meguro Station
Expect to Pay: Dinner: ¥8,000–¥9,999
Opening Hours: Tue-Sun 5 p.m.-11 p.m., Closed on Mondays and 1-2 Tuesdays/month
Website: https://foursmeguro.com/

Flamingo (Ebisu)

Flamingo, “fun Italian and wine,” is located in foreigner-favorite Ebisu. It’s a place to explore well-known fusions like shirako (fish milt) pasta and inventive takes such as negitoro (minced raw tuna with green onion) cannoli. This little stand is snug and cozy, with bright windows partially obscured by the patio plant life.

Emitting a clubhouse vibe, Flamingo is ideal for savoring a couple of glasses of organic, small-batch wine alongside sharing plates, or opt for the course menu for a comprehensive gastronomic experience.

Address: 1-2-8 Ebisuminami, Shibuya City, Tokyo
Closest Station: Ebisu Station
Expect to Spend: Dinner: ¥6,000–¥7,999
Opening Hours: Tue-Sat 3 p.m.-11 p.m. (Last Order at 10:30 p.m.), Sun 1 p.m.-9 p.m. (Last Order at 8:30 p.m.) Closed Mondays
Website: https://www.instagram.com/flamingo.ebisu/

Grilled Meat Bal Taiju (Ikebukuro)

Taiju lives up to its moniker with signature potato salad, stunning cuts of roasted and grilled wagyu, plump gnocchi and tuna katsu. This place is an especially good choice for a date night, with course menus starting at just ¥2,800 and a strong Western influence.

Taiju Allegato Hanare, the sister store to its Nishi-Shinjuku location, is positioned as an upscale izakaya. Hanare’s menu is even more successful in expressing the signature bal style: note the appetizer menu, featuring both fried shishito peppers and a fig-burrata plate.

Address: 3-22-5 Nishiikebukuro, Toshima City, Tokyo
Closest Station: Ikebukuro Station
Expect to Spend: Dinner: ¥6,000–¥7,999
Hours: Mon-Fri: 5 p.m. -11:30 p.m., Sat/Sun/Holiday: 4 p.m.-11:30 p.m.
Website: https://www.meatbal.com/shop/ikebukuro/

Chochin (Omotesando)

Unlike the other members of this list, Chochin offers an East and West menu rather than a selection of fusion foods. It’s the place to go if you have one quiche eater and one karaage (Japanese fried chicken) craver.

Chochin’s comparatively narrow offerings put the focus on enjoying its upscale space as a watering hole. However, the mix-and-match menu is still 100% bal quality, and the course option is ideal for a nomikai (drinking party).

Address: 4-29-9 Jingumae, Shibuya City, Tokyo
Closest Station: Meiji Jingumae Station
Expect to Spend: Dinner: ¥3,000–¥3,999
Opening Hours: Mon-Thu 5 p.m.-11 p.m., Fri-Sun, Holidays: 4 p.m.-11:30 p.m.
Website: https://chochin-omotesando.com/

Newly armed with a definition and what to look for, let us know if you have any bal izakaya to recommend!

15 Halloween Food & Drink Offerings in Japan For 2025

The Savvy Team — Mon, 29 Sep 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Door-to-door knocking? No thanks! Halloween in Japan isn’t about candy corn. It’s about devilishly delicious limited-time treats that you can only get this time of year. Sink your fangs into our roundup of the 15 spookiest (and tastiest) Halloween food and drink offerings in Japan for 2025!

Halloween Food & Drink Promotions Available Around Japan

All across Japan, big-name chains brew up fang-tastic drinks, desserts and snacks that are easy to grab on the go. Some are cute, some are creepy but all of them are frightfully fun! Here’s a list of chain shops you can definitely expect to have some sort of Halloween-themed offerings:

Mister Donut & Krispy Kreme: Donuts with spooky faces and sprinkles galore
Baskin-Robbins: Ice cream in ghoulish colors and creepy flavors
Domino’s Pizza Japan: Bewitched pizzas and sides
7-Eleven, Family Mart & Lawson: Creepy-cute parfaits, cakes and Halloween bento sets
Godiva Japan: Gorgeous Halloween chocolate collections for gifting or gobbling
Starbucks, Doutor and Tully’s: Halloween drinks, themed desserts and witchy seasonal cups and merch

5 Standout Nationwide Halloween Treats

Beyond the big chains, plenty of other Japanese brands get creative each Halloween season with original flavors and designs, too. Here’s our pick of the spookiest standouts from across the country:

1. Bagel & Bagel’s Halloween Bagel

Bagel & Bagel is giving breakfast a spooky makeover this year with a special Halloween bagel that is almost too cute to eat! This limited-time bagel features three flavors in one: pumpkin caramel, purple sweet potato and white chocolate, and cocoa, decorated with a cheeky little monster expression. They’ll also have a variety of other seasonal bagels and muffins to get you into an overall cozy fall mood, too.

Price: ¥345 per bagel
Availability: Nationwide at Bagel & Bagel shops until October 31, 2025

2. Momi&Toy’s Halloween Crepes

Crepes get a spooky-sweet makeover this season at Momi & Toy’s. Their Caramel Pumpkin Cheesecake crepe is the perfect combo of pumpkin cream, caramel sauce, caramel bites and rare cheesecake, all snuggled inside their signature “melting” crepe. If purple is more your vibe, the Berry Purple Sweet Potato (with vanilla ice cream) crepe layers creamy sweet-potato mousse with tangy berry sauce, crispy toppings and a scoop of vanilla ice cream for balance.

Price: ¥820 each
Availability: Nationwide at Momi & Toy’s shops until October 31, 2025

3. Cozy Corner Disney Villains Cakes

Ginza Cozy Corner is back to cast a delicious spell with its Disney Villains collection! This eight-piece mini cake set draws inspiration from the most iconic baddies of all time—Maleficent, Ursula and the Evil Queen. Each bite-sized cake is carefully designed with vibrant colors and mischievous details that bring the villains to life. They’re the party-perfect option, but guests won’t know whether to eat them or admire the devilish designs.

Price: ¥3,132 per cake set
Availability: Nationwide at Ginza Cozy Corner shops until October 31, 2025

4. Cheese Garden Halloween Sweets

The Cheese Garden is getting into the spooky spirit with not just one but two scarily tempting Halloween exclusives. First up are their Happy Cheese Halloween drinks—cheesecake-inspired lattes and creamy sips dressed up with seasonal flair. Then there’s the Halloween Parfaits, a layered delight of sweet jelly, baked cheesecake-flavored soft serve with cookies, cheesecake and a flavored sauce topping.

Price: Halloween drinks ¥880-¥930; Halloween parfaits ¥850-950
Availability: Nationwide at Cheese Garden shops until October 31, 2025

5. Dancing Crab’s Halloween Party Menu

Seafood gets a spooky twist at the Dancing Crab as their stores transform into festive lairs complete with eerie décor, themed playlists and even prize giveaways during showtime. On the menu, you’ll find seasonal bites like a pumpkin cream tart and a muffin sandwich with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. To wash it all down, the “Dr. Jekyll’s Bloody Cooler” cocktail arrives looking like a creepy berry-blood experiment gone wrong. Paired with their signature messy-fun crab bags, it’s a Halloween feast that’s as theatrical as it is tasty.

Price: Crab bags from ¥4,000 per person; Tart ¥1,000; Muffin; ¥500; Bloody cocktail ¥1,000
Availability: The Dancing Crab shops in Tokyo and Osaka until Oct 31, 2025

5 Halloween Afternoon Teas in Tokyo

When it comes to over-the-top Halloween spreads, Tokyo’s hotels take the cake (literally). Every October, the city’s most luxurious hotels transform their afternoon teas into spooky wonderlands. Here are our top picks for 2025:

6. ANA InterContinental Tokyo’s Halloween Afternoon Tea

At ANA InterContinental Tokyo, Halloween is equally elegant and playful. Their afternoon tea features raspberry tarts, cookies, pumpkin cream puffs and even persimmon jelly paired with financier cake. Savory bites like smoked salmon blinis keep things balanced, while the seasonal theme makes every plate feel like a little piece of edible art. Pair it with Ronnefeldt tea, coffee, Japanese tea or even their special drink for the full magical spread.

Date: Until Oct 31, 2025
Price: ¥7,600 per person (¥8,800 with special drink)
Where: Atrium Lounge, ANA InterContinental Tokyo, 1-12-33 Akasaka, Minato-ku, Tokyo

7. Conrad Tokyo’s Halloween Afternoon Tea “Graceful Moon”

Inspired by moonlit nights, Conrad Tokyo’s “Graceful Moon” tea brings a celestial glow to your table. The menu features a Japanese chestnut Mont Blanc topped with a shimmering moon-shaped chocolate, violet-hued rare cheesecakes and foie gras pies disguised as chestnuts. It’s a dreamy, refined take on Halloween that’s less spooky and more sophisticated.

Date: Until Oct 31, 2025
Price: Weekdays ¥7,900; Weekends & Holidays ¥8,500
Where: TwentyEight, Conrad Tokyo, 1-9-1 Higashi-Shinbashi, Minato-ku, Tokyo

8. Shangri-La Tokyo’s Halloween Afternoon Tea

If you like your Halloween high tea with a dose of cute, Shangri-La Tokyo has you covered. Their playful lineup includes ghost-topped kouign-amann, chocolate cat ears and mushroom cheesecakes that are as fun to look at as they are to eat. With seasonal flavors like chestnut, pumpkin and apple worked into the mix, this tea set manages to be both whimsical and satisfying.

Date: Until Oct 31, 2025
Price: ¥8,580 per person
Where: The Lobby Lounge, Shangri-La Tokyo, 1-8-3 Marunouchi, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo

9. Grand Hyatt Tokyo’s Halloween Afternoon Tea

At Grand Hyatt Tokyo, Halloween takes a gloriously gory turn with a set featuring brain-shaped raspberry mousse, eyeball jelly and ghostly pumpkin cream puffs that look like they crawled right out of a haunted house. It’s equal parts creepy and delicious, perfect for those who like a little fright with their afternoon delights. For those who want to take home a set instead, the Fiorentina Pastry Boutique on the first floor of the hotel also has an afternoon tea takeout box available.

Date: Until Oct 31, 2025
Price: ¥7,150 per person (¥8,800 with a glass of champagne)
Where: The French Kitchen, Grand Hyatt Tokyo, 6-10-3 Roppongi, Minato-ku, Tokyo

10. InterContinental Tokyo Bay’s Peter Rabbit Potluck Halloween Afternoon Tea

This is for a Halloween with an adorably whimsical twist! InterContinental Tokyo Bay has teamed up with Peter Rabbit for a potluck-style afternoon tea that’s equal parts cute and seasonal. Pumpkin puddings, character-inspired sweets and rustic autumn flavors fill the table for a tea that’s more family-friendly than frightful. It’s a charming option for those who want a softer, storybook-style Halloween experience.

Date: Until Oct 31, 2025
Price: From ¥7,260 per person
Where: New York Lounge, Hotel InterContinental Tokyo Bay, 1-16-2 Kaigan, Minato-ku, Tokyo

5 Other Special Halloween Offerings in Tokyo

Not all Halloween fun comes in the form of cakes and tea. Tokyo’s hotels and bars are also serving up cocktails, buffets and one-night-only events that give adults their own version of trick-or-treat. Here are the spookiest standouts:

11. Andaz Tokyo’s Halloween Special Highball Cocktails

Andaz Tokyo is mixing up some magic behind the bar this season with two Halloween-only highballs: the crimson Carmilla Highball, a gothic-inspired mix of fig-infused Campari, umeshu, spices, plum wine and orange, and Candy Alley, a smooth blend of chocolate rum, hazelnut liqueur, oat vanilla milk, soda and sweet potato espuma. Best of all, if you enjoy them during their Highball Happy Hour from 5–8 p.m., these spooky-chic cocktails come with a skyline view and a wallet-friendly price!

Date: Until Oct 31, 2025
Price: ¥1,840 per cocktail (Only ¥990 per cocktail during Happy Hour)
Where: Andaz Tokyo, 1-23-4 Toranomon, Minato-ku, Tokyo

12. Royal Park Hotel’s Halloween Dinner Buffet & Cocktails

At the Royal Park Hotel, you’ll find both tricks and treats. The Symphony buffet is loaded with Halloween delights like pumpkin mousse, themed pizzas and autumn tarts. Downstairs at the Royal Scots Bar, sip on wicked cocktails with names like “Creepy Eyeball” and “Pumpkin Pudding.” It’s a full evening of food and fun that makes this hotel a must-visit Halloween haunt.

Date: Until Oct 31, 2025
Price: Buffet from ¥8,500 per adult; Cocktails from ¥2,200 each
Where: Royal Park Hotel, 2-11-1 Nihonbashi-Kakigaracho, Chuo-ku, Tokyo

13. Mercure Yokosuka’s Halloween Buffet & Cocktails

Take your Halloween feast seaside at Mercure Yokosuka. Their Halloween buffet offers eerie appetizers and a variety of desserts with a spooky twist. Pair it with the hotel’s themed mocktail or cocktail and enjoy the seasonal atmosphere overlooking the bay. It’s a little bit scary, a little bit classy and all-around delicious.

Date: Until Oct 31, 2025
Price: Buffet from ¥4,400 per adult; Mocktail ¥900; Cocktail ¥1,100
Where: Mercure Yokosuka, 3-27 Honcho, Yokosuka, Kanagawa

14. Shibuya Stream Hotel’s Neo Shibuya Halloween 2025 (One Night Event)

If you’re looking for the wildest Halloween party in town, Shibuya Stream Hotel’s one-night bash is the place to be. With live DJs, themed food and drinks and neon-lit decor, the event transforms the trendy Shibuya spot into a Halloween rave. Expect Instagrammable backdrops, kimono dance shows, poker tables and crowds of costumed partygoers dancing until dawn.

Date: Oct 31, 2025
Price: From ¥3,000 per person (advance)
Where: Shibuya Stream Hotel, 3-21-3 Shibuya, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo

15. Westin Tokyo’s Halloween Night “Black & Amber” (One Night Event)

The Westin is pulling out all the stops for a glamorous Halloween soirée. With free-flowing Veuve Clicquot Champagne, a “Luxury Bites” menu of spooky gourmet treats, smoky desserts and live performances, this event feels more like a masquerade ball than a party. It’s a one-night-only celebration of indulgence and elegance—Halloween chic at its finest.

Date: Oct 31, 2025
Price: ¥17,500 per person
Where: The Lounge, The Westin Tokyo, 1-4-1 Mita, Meguro-ku, Tokyo

So, what do you think? Do these Halloween food and drink offerings in Japan excite you as much as knocking on doors for candy? Grab your coven, pick your poison (tea or cocktails), and make this October your most deliciously haunting one yet!

10 Cozy Book Cafes To Check Out in Tokyo

Suzanne Bhagan — Wed, 24 Sep 2025 23:00:00 +0000

When it starts feeling chilly, the fall girl in me is rearing to go. It’s the season to catch up on my reading, of course! During crisp, cool days, I like to take my book to the park or library. However, the cherry on top of all my reading experiences has to be at book cafes in Tokyo. What could be better than sipping and turning pages while the city rushes by?

These 10 book cafes in Tokyo are not only small and cozy but easy to get to. Many are located within walking distance of train stations. Although some featured on this list are hidden in plain sight, you can always give the cafe a call for directions. And if you’re hungry, many of them offer bites to eat or even substantial meals so you can finish those pages without starving.

1. Weekenders Coffee All Right

When a proofreading company opens a bookstore, you pay attention. Kamome Books is home to not only curated shelves but also a popular book cafe. Sip a delicious hand-dripped brew and peruse books chosen by the pros. Some of the seating is outside, giving this cafe a somewhat European vibe.

Address: Daiichi Yarai Building 1F, Yaraicho 123, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo (Google Map Link)
Closest Station: Kagurazaka Station, less than a 1-minute walk
Price: Coffee from ¥550
Opening hours: 11 a.m.-8 p.m.; Closed on Wednesdays

2. Books Itomai

With places like Starbucks and Tully’s a dime a dozen in Tokyo, it’s hard to find that one cafe that ticks all the boxes for bookworms. Intimate? Check. Rustic? Check. Adjoining bookstore? Check. No talking allowed? Check, check, check! The only downsides: opening hours are fickle and you can only use the cafe for up to two and a half hours.

Address: Machida Building 2F, 1-2-5 Tokiwadai, Itabashi-ku, Tokyo (Google Map Link)
Closest Station: Tokiwadai Station, 1-minute walk
Price: Drinks from ¥500; Weekdays ¥30 charge per seat; Weekends & Holidays ¥50 charge per seat
Opening hours: Check X and Instagram

3. Manga and Coffee

Although manga cafes can be found around every street corner in Tokyo, this is not your average manga cafe. Firstly, you can actually read here! The manga collection is extensive, with over 50,000 titles! Another plus: the atmosphere is relaxed, open and clean, qualities many manga cafes are not known for.

Address: Akimoto Building 2F, 2-42-17 Sasazuka, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo (Google Map Link)
Closest Station: Sasazuka Station, 3-minute walk
Price: ¥1,500 to stay all day!
Opening hours: 10 a.m.-1 a.m.

4. Mafumi Coffee and Books

A hidden book cafe in Tokyo with a secret door? Yes, please! This cafe also challenges you to try coffee brewed in different ways from just one bean variety. The floor-to-ceiling shelves are also jampacked with around 4000 books, reflecting the owner’s motley tastes.

Address: 3-1-7 Kanda Ogawamachi, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo (Google Map Link)
Closest Station: Jimbocho Station, 5-minute walk
Price: Coffee from ¥900
Opening hours: Weekdays 12 p.m.-11 p.m.; Weekends & Holidays 12 p.m.-9 p.m.

5. Aruza Dokushoukan

This place may be tiny, but it’s worth it if you value absolute quiet while reading. Squirrel away in this enclave with a nice brew and a book. Or just stare at the aquarium fish and browse the shelves to your heart’s content. Note that this cafe can have long wait times.

Address: 3-57-6, Koenjiminami, Suganami City, Tokyo (Google Map Link)
Closest Station: Koenji Station, 5-minute walk
Price: Drinks from ¥680
Opening hours: 12 p.m.-10 p.m.; Closed on Mondays

6. Book House Cafe

With over 10,000 picture books, this bright cafe is a little kid’s fantasy. Up the spiral staircase and past the Narnia-like lamppost, you’ll also find Kitazawa bookstore, which is great for secondhand foreign books.

Address: Kitazawa Building 1F, 2-5 Kanda Jimbocho, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo (Google Map link)
Closest Station: Jimbocho Station, 1-minute walk
Price: Adult drinks from ¥500, Children’s drinks from ¥300
Opening hours: Weekdays 11 a.m.-5:30 p.m.; Weekends & Public Holidays 11 a.m.-6 p.m.

7. Mori no Tosyo Shitsu

When the owner wanted a library vibe but with chatting, eating, drinking and much friendlier after-work hours, he created this “Forest Library.” Even though it’s located close to the Shibuya scramble, it feels miles away from that madness. Be sure to sample food from your favorite books and Ghibli movies here, too!

Address: Shibuya Daiichi Kangin Kyodo Building 8F, 23-3 Udagawa-cho, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo (Google Map Link)
Closest Station: Shibuya Station, 1-minute walk
Price: One hour with unlimited soft drinks ¥1,120
Opening hours: 9 a.m.-10:45 p.m.

8. RBL Cafe

Short for “Reference Book Library,” the RBL book cafe in Tokyo promises to “tickle your intellectual curiosity” with around 7000 eclectically selected reference books. No literary works here but dictionaries, encyclopedias and more! There are even quiz trivia nights if that’s your thing.

Address: 5-32-12 Daizawa, Setagaya City, Tokyo (Google Map Link)
Closest Station: Shimokitazawa Station, 5-minute walk
Price: Weekday plan: 3 hours for ¥300 (pay for drink separately)
Opening hours: Weekdays have irregular hours, so check the website for updates; Weekends & Holidays 1 p.m.-8 p.m.

9. Passage bis! Books & Cafe

Step into another world right in the middle of Tokyo! With dark-toned furnishings, chandeliers and jewel-toned walls, Passage bis definitely gives off some major Parisian vibes—order and head upstairs to get some serious reading time in.

Address: Sunside Jimbocho 3F, 1-15-3 Kanda Jimbocho, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo (Google Map Link)
Closest Station: Jimbocho Station, 1-minute walk
Price: Drinks from ¥650
Opening hours: 12 p.m.-7 p.m.

10. Kaido Books and Coffee

This book cafe in Tokyo welcomes all “travelers” to Shinagawa, famous for being the first stop on the old Tokaido trail. Settle in with a good book from its extensive book collection and dig into one of the cafe’s signature scones or unique hot dogs.

Address: Maruya Bldg 103, 2-3-7 Kita-Shinagawa, Shinagawa-ku, Tokyo (Google Map Link)
Closest Station: Kita-Shinagawa Station (5-minute walk)
Price: Kaido dog from ¥900
Opening hours: Wed-Fri 9 a.m.-5:30 p.m.; Weekends & Holidays 9 a.m.-6 p.m.; Closed on Mondays & Tuesdays

Be sure to bookmark this article and check out five more cafes for book lovers. If you’re keen to explore more of Tokyo’s very own booktown, be sure to read our Jimbocho guide. Happy exploring!

Tsukimi Burgers in Japan: Are They Really Worth the Hype?

Kerri King — Mon, 15 Sep 2025 23:00:00 +0000

Every September, as Japan celebrates tsukimi (moon-viewing) season, fast-food chains release their highly anticipated limited-edition menus. The headline act is always the tsukimi burger—a fried egg perched on top of a patty, meant to resemble the full harvest moon. McDonald’s, KFC, MOS Burger and even Wendy’s all compete to put their own spin on this autumn classic, making it the perfect time to explore where to try Tsukimi burgers in Japan.

Although I’ve lived in Japan for two years, I’d never actually tried a tsukimi burger until now. Growing up in New Zealand, my benchmark was the McDonald’s Kiwi Burger: a time-limited classic stacked with beef, egg, beetroot, tomato, lettuce and cheese. With fried eggs already a familiar part of burgers back home, Japan’s version never struck me as particularly exciting. This year, curiosity won and I finally tried a couple of tsukimi burgers in Japan. Here are my thoughts…

Taste Testing Tsukimi Burgers

McDonald’s

At McDonald’s, I started with the classic Cheese Tsukimi Burger (¥470), which comes with a beef patty, fried egg, bacon, cheese and creamy sauce. It’s basically identical to their Tsukimi Muffin (¥400), just swapping the sausage and English muffin for a regular burger patty and buns. Unfortunately, my first tsukimi burger was very disappointing. It was bland, unexciting and I wouldn’t order it again.

The seasonal pie was equally underwhelming. The An Butter Omochi Tsukimi Pie (¥190) might appeal to anko (red bean paste) and mochi lovers, but I found it very dry and certainly no comparison to other limited-edition McDonald’s pies like the Ichigo Daifuku version I tried last spring.

The one tsukimi item I did enjoy was the Shine Muscat McShake (¥190 small). I wasn’t convinced that grape and vanilla ice cream would work together, but the muscat flavor was subtle and refreshing, and it ended up being my favorite item of the lot.

Other McDonald’s seasonal offerings this year include:

Tsukimi Burger (from ¥440)
Torouma Sukiyaki Tsukimi (¥540)
Triple Beef Torouma Sukiyaki Tsukimi (¥780)
Tsukimi Muffin (¥400)

KFC

Over at KFC, the Tsukimi Cheese Filet Burger (¥540) was much more enjoyable. The crispy chicken filet worked better with the egg than McDonald’s bacon-and-beef combo, though the runny yolk may be hit-or-miss depending on how you like your eggs. For dessert, the Omochi Custard Tsukimi Pie (¥300) was ten times better than McDonald’s attempt, though the mochi itself wasn’t great.

Other KFC tsukimi options this year include:

Tsukimi Twister (¥480)
Triple Tsukimi Burger (¥990)

Who Else Is Serving Tsukimi?

MOS Burger

Tsukimi Focaccia (¥590)
Minced Meat Cutlet Cheeseburger (¥480)
Mixed Shake Sweet Potato (¥350/¥430)
Hot Sweet Potato Balls (¥280)

Wendy’s x First Kitchen Japan

Tsukimi Mochi Burger (¥950)
Truffle Tsukimi Mochi Burger (¥1,250)
Tsukimi Mochi Burger Baconator (¥1,190)
Truffle Tsukimi Mochi Burger Baconator (¥1,450)
Jr. Tsukimi Mochi Burger (¥650)

Lotteria

Japanese-style Soft-Boiled Tsukimi Zeppin Cheeseburger (¥590)
Truffle-Scented Soft-Boiled Tsukimi Zeppin Cheeseburger (¥590)
Japanese-style Soft-Boiled Tsukimi Shrimp Burger (¥590)
Japanese-style Soft-Boiled Tsukimi Teriyaki Burger (¥520)

Are They Really Worth the Hype?

So, are Tsukimi Burgers really worth all the attention and hype? For me, not really. Actually, not even close. I love seasonal menus, and McDonald’s Japan usually delivers on fun, delicious menus, but these just felt like standard burgers with a fried egg thrown in. If you’re in Japan during autumn, I wouldn’t be rushing to try these, and personally, I’ll be sticking to my nostalgic Kiwi Burger whenever I get the chance.

Have you ever tried any of the Tsukimi Burgers in Japan? Which seasonal fast-food item is your favorite?

Nihonshu: The Newbies’ Guide To Japan’s Sake Scene

Ai Faithy Perez — Sun, 07 Sep 2025 23:00:00 +0000

You’ve seen it with your foreign friends on their first visit to an izakaya—wondering why the sake is flowing out of the glass into a strange-looking square box; trying to figure out the many labels; and then confidently ordering “sake,” to which the waiters respectfully reply, “Which one?” Yes, the sake in this country is just as deep as its oceans.

The first and foremost thing you need to know about Japanese sake—or 日本酒 (nihonshu)—is that it’s primarily broken down into two very large groups:

清酒 (Seishu; “clear sake”): the one you can drink
料理酒 (Ryorishu; “cooking sake”): the one I recommend you don’t

The word “sake” in itself is often misunderstood among non-Japanese people as the name for seishu, or more commonly known as nihonshu. The kanji for sake (酒) means “alcohol”—including your beer.

In this nihonshu guide, readers will learn about different variations of the drink, the manners associated with it, three recommended spots in Tokyo to sip it, and my personal favorite three nihonshu to try!

Know Your Sake: The Variations

Below are the different grades of nihonshu from highest to lowest. The grades are determined by the polished ratio of each grain of rice, known in Japan as seimai-buai (精米歩合). Generally, the lower the number, the purer the brew (and the more it’ll cost you). Also, a lower percentage often results in a fruitier nihonshu (not necessarily sweeter), whereas a higher percentage will taste more like rice.

Junmai Daiginjo-shu (純米大吟醸酒: Pure rice, Extra Special brew): Rice Polishing Ratio, or senmai-buai (SB), below 50%
Daiginjo-shu (大吟醸酒: Extra Special brew): SB, below 50%
Junmai Ginjo-shu (純米吟醸酒: Pure rice, Special brew): SB, below 60%
Ginjyo-shu (吟醸酒: Special brew): SB, below 60%
Tokubetsu Junmai-shu (特別純米酒: Rice, Koji rice): SB, below 60% or produced by special brewing method
Tokubetsu Honjozo-shu (特別本醸造酒: Rice, Koji rice, Distilled alcohol): SB, below 60% or produced by special brewing method
Junmai-shu (純米酒: Pure rice): SB, below 70%
Honjyozo-shu (本醸造酒: Genuine brew): SB, below 70%

Most of the nihonshu above have two or three ingredients: rice, koji rice and distilled alcohol. Only the junmai-shu does not include the distilled alcohol.

Serve It Right

Tokkuri and o-choko

Nihonshu is served in three different ways:

Chilled (reishu; 冷酒)
Room temperature (joon; 常温 or hiya; 冷や)
Heated (atsukan; 熱燗)

The recommended temperature of the nihonshu may vary depending on the drinker’s preference, the quality of the nihonshu, and the season.

Nihonshu is traditionally served in what looks to be an equivalent of a milk jug (without a handle) called tokkuri and divided into little espresso-type cups called o-choko. This is especially common when serving the nihonshu hot or warm, as it keeps the liquid from cooling. But in recent years, this has not always been the case. Nihonshu is almost always heated immediately before serving to keep the aromas and flavors.

Masu

Another traditional way of serving is the masu, a wooden box made out of hinoki (cypress) or sugi (Japanese cedar) (yeah, that one that puzzled your friend at the izakaya). Originally used for measuring rice, the masu holds exactly 180 ml, and as a sign of generosity, many bars and restaurants will place a glass in the masu and/or a small plate underneath, and fill all containers ‘til you get a perfect meniscus. So, no, if this happens, it wasn’t a mistake!

Watch The Manners

If you’re planning to drink nihonshu at home, this may not apply, but in Japanese culture—OK, I hate to say it, but—you’re expected to (or “should”) pour your table-partner’s drink. When yours is poured in return, hold the brim of the o-choko with one hand and place the other on the bottom.

When drinking, although you may be tempted to do a “sake shot,” given the size of the cup, you should sip slowly, like you would a fine wine. Nihonshu is also often paired with things such as raw fish and other foods of delicate flavors, so enjoy the set one bite and sip at a time!

Favorite Sake Bar Hotspots

Sakeba

The good news is that recently, more restaurants and bars have started to realize that sake can be so much fun. As a result, we’re continuously seeing more nihonshu bars opening in the city, reaching a wider audience than the typically associated oyaji (old men) groups. Here are three personally recommended in Tokyo.

1. Sakeba

Sakeba is a cozy little bar just a few minutes’ walk from Shibuya Station’s south exit. It specializes in nihonshu from various areas of Japan and traditional Japanese food. It has a relaxing wooden interior and brilliant service.

Open: Daily, 5 p.m.-11 p.m.
Address: 3 Chome-15-2 Shibuya, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo (Google Map Link)

2. Shubo (酒母)

Shubo in Ikebukuro is the real thing, as we can guess from its name: the kanji “酒母” literally means “Sake Mother.” The best thing about it: it has an all-you-can-drink sake plan!

Open: Mon-Fri: 11:30 a.m.-2 p.m., 5 p.m.-11 p.m.; Sat: 3 p.m.-11 p.m. (Closed Sundays)
Address: 4 Chome-23-6 Higashiikebukuro, Toshima-ku, Tokyo (Google Map Link)

3. Amanogawa (天乃川)

Amanogawa, based at the Keio Plaza Hotel in Shinjuku, is the bar to be at if you’re in the mood for some refinery and luxury. Chances are, the bill will reflect it.

Open: Daily, 5 p.m.-10 p.m.
Address: Keio Plaza Hotel Tokyo 1F, 2-2-1 Nishishinjuku, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo (Google Map Link)

My Top 3 Recommended Nihonshu

If you’re not sure where to start when choosing your nihonshu, go for the following three—nothing can go wrong!

Jyuyondai (十四代), Yamagata prefecture
Kubota (久保田), Niigata prefecture
Dasai (獺祭), Yamaguchi prefecture

All three of my personal favorites range from the highest premium to the lower, more affordable grades of nihonshu. I recommend you ask one of the swanky nihonshu bars (mentioned above) for a tester of each as a guide before settling in with your liquid gold.

Kampai to your brilliant nihonshi journey ahead—find yourself back at this guide whenever you’re lost!

The Best Brunch Spots in Tokyo

Kimberly Hughes — Sun, 31 Aug 2025 23:00:00 +0000

There is something to be said for a quick brekkie on a busy morning in the metropolis as you stop by your favorite café for a coffee to go, grab a sandwich from your local conbini, or whip up something fast at home. And then, there is brunch, a meal to savor and linger over—preferably on a relaxed Tokyo weekend—whether with friends, family, a date or even solo.

Our roundup of brunch spots in Tokyo encompasses a wide variety of options for food styles, ambience, price ranges and locations. So sift through our 15 recommendations, and then get brunching!

1. Berth Coffee (Nihonbashi)

Find this spot on the first floor of the Citan Hostel. Seating is available both indoors and on the outdoor terrace. Breakfast fare includes options such as open-faced sandwiches, seasonal soups, salads, and an array of homemade cakes and pastries—plus fabulous coffee drinks served in attractive ceramic mugs. Pro tip: Head to the downstairs restaurant in the evenings for cocktails, dinner fare, and weekend DJ sets (plus chilled-out playlists throughout the week).

Where: 15-2 Nihonbashiodenmacho, Chuo-ku (Google Map Link)
When: Daily from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m.
Cost: Croissants/pastries from ¥250, sandwiches from ¥500

2. Lattegraphic (Jiyugaoka)

The Aussies do not mess around when it comes to brunch-style fare—and Lattegraphic does it to perfection. This sprawling café offers scrumptious eats like coconut cream and kiwi-accented granola bowls, avocado toast (but of course), and sides including poached egg and bacon. And with the edgy wall murals and shelves of artsy books, you’ll legitimately feel like you’ve just stepped into a Melbourne cafe.

Where: 1-8-18 Jiyugaoka 2F, Meguro-ku (Google Map Link)
When: 7 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. daily
Cost: Mains from ¥900

3. Sarabeth’s (Marunouchi)

Known as “The Breakfast Queen of New York,” Sarabeth’s opened its first store in Japan in 2015 and has since been one of the most popular places for Tokyoites to get classic eggs benedict, pancakes and French toast throughout the day. Here, time passes slowly, the food is delicious and reasonably priced, and you can be sure that you won’t leave the restaurant hungry since the portions are NY-style as well!

Where: Atre Shinagawa 4F, 2-18-1 Konan, Minato-ku (Google Map Link)
When: Mon-Sat: 9 a.m.-12 a.m., Sun & Holidays: 9 a.m.-11 p.m.
Cost: From ¥950

4. Clinton St. Baking Co. (Minami-Aoyama)

Clinton St. Baking Company doesn’t have a specific brunch plan but instead offers a variety of goodies that can be enjoyed all day long, at your own pace and preference. New York-inspired dishes are the trend here, but this is a rather broad concept, certainly not limited to pancakes and eggs. The menu includes the owner’s signature buttermilk biscuit sandwich with bacon, country breakfast, Spanish scramble, huevos rancheros, sandwiches and burgers, and so much more.

Where: 5-17-1, Minami Aoyama, Minato-ku (Google Map Link)
When: Open daily, 9 a.m.-9 p.m.
Cost: From ¥1,000

5. Good Morning Cafe & Grill (Toranomon)

Good Morning Cafe & Grill has taken a fairly lackluster location in the middle of the concrete jungle and created a great place to dine outside. Potted trees and misting fans help keep the outdoor space cool, and large awnings provide shade for some tables. Rather than a view that looks down on the city, this one allows guests to gaze up at one of Tokyo’s tallest and most striking skyscrapers. Both a morning menu and a lunch menu are available on weekends and holidays, offering options such as scrambled eggs, burgers, salads, sandwiches and steaks.

Where: 2-16-6 Nishi-shinbashi, Minato-ku (Google Map Link)
When: Weekends and national holidays: 8 a.m.-10 p.m.; Weekdays: 11 a.m.-10 p.m.
Cost: From ¥1,200

6. Bubby’s (Yaesu)

Bubby’s serves an assortment of fluffy pancakes, juicy burgers, and, most famously, American pie. Choose from delicacies like the classic apple, apple crumble, or the favorite, Michigan sour cherry. A good cherry pie is a rare find in Tokyo, so this is the place to indulge in it. Pair it up with a coffee or homemade pink lemonade. There are also a variety of brunch plates available, including various kinds of savory eggs benedict that come with a serving of seasoned home fries or salad.

Where: Yaesu Underground Shopping Center 3rd Avenue B1, 2-1 Yaesu, Tokyo (Google Map Link)
When: Weekdays 10 a.m.–10:30 p.m. (L.O. 9:30 p.m.); Weekends/Holidays 10 a.m.–10 p.m. (L.O. 9 p.m.)
Cost: From ¥1,500; Pies are ¥880 a slice

7. The All Day (Higashimukojima)

This is the kind of restaurant that makes you feel like you are visiting a friend’s home. The regularly updated weekend à la carte menu has featured dishes to date such as beef stew and a green chile shirasu (whitebait) omelet, along with creative sides including shishito peppers with karasumi (squid ink) sauce. Several sausage types are also on offer–think coriander, parsley and shiitake mushroom. The restaurant’s tagline is, in fact, “craft beer and good sausage”, so go ahead and wash down your brunch with a cold one, or enjoy one of the delicious coffee beverages.

Where: 2-24-14 Higashimukojima, Sumida-ku (Google Map Link)
When: Saturdays/holidays: Noon to 11 p.m.; Sundays: Noon to 10 p.m.; Weekdays: 11:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. / 5:00 p.m. to midnight.
Cost: Mains around ¥1500; Sides around ¥600 to ¥900

8. Woodberry Coffee (Shibuya)

If you like your lattes creamy and your brunch enjoyed in an attractive wood-toned atmosphere, Woodberry Coffee is for you. The baristas here are extremely attentive, going out of their way to explain the characteristics of each coffee type. Brunch-worthy plates include bagels topped with cream cheese and lox; granola and fruit-topped yogurt served in coconut husk bowls; and a robust grilled basil and chicken sandwich accompanied by tangy stone mustard and cumin-infused pickled red cabbage.

Where: 2-20-18 Higashi, Shibuya-ku (Google Map Link) Other locations also available.
When: Brunch served from 8:30 a.m. daily
Cost: Around ¥1,500 (half-sandwiches available for around ¥800)

9. Le Pain Quotidien (Shiba Park)

This bakery-restaurant from Brussels is a favorite brunch and breakfast spot for many expats living in the Minato area of Tokyo, and for good reason: the bread here (although not cheap!) is really delicious. The eggs benedict here are some of the best in the city. You can also enjoy other simple but beloved brunch dishes such as avocado toast, goat cheese, mushroom and spinach omelets, Belgian waffles, Surf & Turf brunch and more.

Where: 3-3-1 Shibakoen, Minato-ku (Google Map Link)
When: Open daily, 7:30 a.m.-9 p.m.
Cost: Average around ¥1,000 to ¥2,500 for brunch.

10. Massif (Ikejiri-Ohashi)

Just steps from the Meguro River, brunch here feels like stepping inside a gallery. Amidst the cool wall art, chunky flower pots and stylish washi lamps, enjoy a weekend brunch of rotating fare whose plates to date have included Turkish eggs accented with spiced butter, crispy potatoes and confit garlic yogurt; and classic French toast topped with seasonal fruit. There is also excellent coffee and a spread of pastries and baked goods, including what may well be among the tastiest focaccia you’ll have in your life!

Where: 3-7-11 Higashiyama, Meguro-ku (Google Map Link)
When: Saturday, Sunday and public holidays 11 a.m.–3 p.m. (L.O. 2:45 p.m.)
Cost: Mains around ¥1,400 to ¥2,300

11. Cedros (Daikanyama)

Featuring surfboard-lined walls and sea creature art installations, this restaurant will make you feel like you’ve been transported right to the California shores. Weekend brunch menu options include scrambled eggs with plump chunks of Hokkaido snow crab topped with delicate Canadian lobster tail, served alongside crunchy toast; and huevos rancheros, a Cal-Mex-esque affair featuring a pair of handheld-sized tostadas piled high with eggs, beans and avocado, and flecked generously with feta cheese.

Where: Tradgard Daikanyama Ｄ, 1-32-3 Ebisu-nishi, Shibuya-ku (Google Map Link)
When: Saturdays and Sundays, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Cost: Mains ¥1,500 to ¥4,000; Cocktails ¥1,500 to ¥3,000; Champagne add-on: +¥5,000

12. Mercer Brunch (Roppongi)

This favorite little place of ours has everything you’d expect from a quality brunch in Tokyo: delicious food, a spacious terrace to enjoy it on, and an interior that simply tells you to sit back and relax. Specializing mainly in egg dishes and NY-style brunch, the menu features everything from salmon tartar to homemade sausages. Plus, all brunch deal items come with a serving of their beloved brioche French toast. Oh, and did we mention that the coffee is good, too?!

Where: Vort Roppongi Duels 1F, 4-2-35 Roppongi, Minato-ku (Google Map Link)
When: Daily, 10 a.m.-3:30 p.m. (Weekdays), 9 a.m.-5 p.m. (Weekends). It is also open for dinner until 11 p.m.
Cost: From ¥1,700

13. Taste The World (Gaienmae)

Formerly known as World Breakfast All Day, this unique place reminds us in the most delicious possible way that yes, breakfast and brunch are universal. Every two months, this diner changes its menu to introduce traditional breakfast plates from all over the world—from Japan to Vietnam to the UK, Italy and beyond. The menus are curated in cooperation with foreigners and embassy officials living in Tokyo, so you can trust that the taste is authentic.

Where: 3-1-23 Jingumae, Shibuya-ku (Google Map link)
When: Daily, 7:30 a.m.-8 p.m.
Cost: Around ¥2,000

14. Le Pristine (Toranomon)

Le Pristine offers brunch in your choice of two, three or four courses. Overseen by Michelin-starred chef Sergio Herman, the menu features an artistic presentation of seasonal foods, beginning with the exceedingly tender Akaushi wagyu. Additional brunch touches include artistic Inku tableware inspired by Japanese izakaya, created by the chef in collaboration with Serax, and a genre-transcending playlist (think Khruangbin and slow jazz).

Where: 2-6-4, Toranomon, Minato-ku (Google Map Link)
When: Weekends and national holidays: 12 p.m.–3 p.m. (L.O. 2 p.m.)
Cost: 2-Course ¥7,700; 3-Course ¥8,250; 4-Course ¥9,570

15. The Oak Door (Roppongi)

Grand Hyatt Tokyo’s weekend brunch at The Oak Door is a luxurious yet cozy place that offers a seasonal buffet with options to add free-flow champagne or drinks. The buffet includes everything you can imagine—eggs, meat, seafood, salads, soups and desserts. The perfect deal for real brunch lovers in Tokyo who don’t mind spending a little more on Sunday’s main meal.

Where: Grand Hyatt Tokyo 6F, 6-10-3 Roppongi, Minato-ku (Google Map Link)
When: Weekends and national holidays, 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m
Cost: Food only: ¥6,600; With free flow drinks: ¥8,800; With free flow champange: ¥11,000; Seafood add-on: +¥4,400

Which of these brunch stops in Tokyo interests you the most?